Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou: Day Trip from Marrakech:

Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate is a town located 124 miles (200 km) to the southeast of Marrakech. It is nicknamed The door of the desert. If you’re planning to head to the Sahara Desert, a stop in this fortified city is a must.

Ouarzazate comes from the Amazigh words for without (ouar) and noise (zazt), meaning the “city without noise”.

Hollywood of Africa

Among several nicknames, Ouarzazate is also known as the Hollywood of Africa. This is due to its movie studios, including one of the largest in the world: Atlas Studios.

Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou

Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou is a kasbah (fortified town) located 18 miles (30 km) from Ouarzazate. This town has been filmed numerous times, like Ouarzazate, and can be seen in the following films: Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mommy, and The Jewel of the Nile.

Taourirt Kasbah

Taourirt Kasbah is a fortified city in the outskirts of Ouarzazate. The building is made of adobe, it has crenelated towers and is considered one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco.